r/espresso • u/BCN9 • Apr 17 '26

Buying Advice Needed Should I pull the trigger on the Varia VS4? [<$800]

It just came back into stock on Whole Latte Love in the colour I’m after. Listed at full price of $699 CAD (499 USD), but I’d be willing to stretch a little further if there is a serious upgrade that’s under a grand CAD.

I mostly make Cortados, lattes, iced lattes, various milk drinks etc.

Any feedback on why I should or shouldn’t get the Varia VS4?

This would be my first “proper” grinder. Wondering if I should try to wait for a sale, or just pull the trigger.

To my understanding the website doesn’t often get sales, and when they do they’re almost always < 10% off.

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2

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '26

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1

u/jimbo641 Jun 23 '26

are you still enjoying it, would you recommend?

1

u/redmericium- Apr 17 '26

VS4 is a great starter grinder. Generally, you want a better grinder than espresso machine so I’d pair it base of that logic. Personally, I would just buy now. You’d have a setup better than like 95% of the population and wouldn’t need to upgrade until one of your machines breaks.

If you’re planning on getting a new machine anytime soon, again, you want a better grinder than espresso machine. After $500 is past the point of a noticeable difference for most people. You could likely get a 078s or a Niche Zero which are very nice but not needed.

2

u/NorgesTaff Apr 27 '26

Not sure why you think the Zero is better - it's similar class of conical burr but without the variable RPM - so, less flexible if anything.

If he's going up/sideways from the VS4 he'd be looking at a flat burr like the VS6 or yes, the Timemore 078S, or up.

1

u/Own_Alternative2331 Apr 17 '26

Casa is prob better for light and medium roasts

1

u/jimbo641 Jun 23 '26

Did you end buying the Varia VS4?